AN INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1930, Page 5

AN INQUEST

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Oct. 17

The accident in which Mrs John Hannah lost her life on Octdber lei was attributed mainly to the illuminated direction indicator at the right of tile bus, which obscured the driver’s vision of part of the road. Pierce James Carroll, driver of the bus, expressed this view at the inquest which ivpeiud yesterday before Mr Barton, Coroner.

The- Solicitor for the Railway Department and owner of the bun, indicated lie intends calling expert evidence with regard to the indicator, which IS the' only one of its kind on the Hutt Road buses, in order to iihow that the vehicle, which ran ever Mrs Hannah, was equipped in every respect according to the transport regulations. Carroll, in evidence, said it Vus much more difficult to see with the indicator out,' than it Avas on. The light did not turn with the wheel, and it was possible for the bus to travel on a zone which. Avotild not he illuminated by the headlights Witness had the first indication of an accident when he felt the right-hand wheels hump. He had not seen anything in front of the bus or he might perhaps have pulled up moro quickly than he did.

Mr Watson, counsel ifor relatives of tho deceased: You say on this particular kind of bus. y<ui have a blind angle of vision. Witness: Yes, Does that make you careful? Yes. You have to he very careful with-that type. If pedestrians were not in line of the lights there was a chance that they would be knocked dotvn. The lights were not on the inside of the bus. The inquest was adjourned till Tuesday.